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Famous style Allison Bornstein knowing that some of the best things in fashion come with a bit of history.
While browsing at Poshmark Poshfest 2026 at City Market Social House in Los Angeles, California, on October 2, along with over 1,000 other shoppers including Spelling Tori and Lucy HaleBornstein shared her secrets for finding difficult gems with ET.
For starters, the wardrobe consultant, with whom he works Katie Holmes, Gigi Hadidand Fisherman’s Islandrecommend giving pre-loved pieces a chance before going out on the latest trends.
“I’m an old lover. I love secondhand. I feel like anything you find, you can find better, or even the original. Everything is a reference, so I think it’s fun to go to the source.”
As for the present, Bornstein is ready to make a statement.
“On the runways in general, I’m seeing more faux fur. I’ve been seeing boas, vests, ostrich feathers, and things that look a little more on me.” There was a time where we were all very cute, but I look glamorous,” she explains.
But before you add anything to your cart, the Wear It Well: Reclaim Your Closet & Discover the Joy of Getting Dressed Again the author has a few tricks up her sleeve.
“If you are shopping online, I always like to go to the expensive places that are reserved, find things that I like, and then go on Poshmark and find them for cheaper. Another good tip is that sometimes sellers do not know exactly what they have, so lower the description. options,” she says.
Another rule of thumb is to pay attention to the clothing label versus the designer.
“I look at products, which is good because a lot of Poshmark sellers put the writing in their listings. I think that’s really important. Sometimes it’s more about the way something is made than the designer on the label,” she said.
“People can obsess over the label, but with vintage, that’s less important because Banana Republic and Gap had amazing pieces in the ’90s. You don’t have to get something from Armani. It can still be an amazing leather jacket that has stood the test of time.”
In fact, Bornstein believes that some things only get better with age.
“I like old leather and suede because I know I’m going to damage it a little bit, so I feel more precious when things are already worn. When things are too new, even if they’re not, they look cheap. When things are broken in, it gives it that character.”
Of course, no wardrobe is complete without classic denim.
“If you find good old jeans, God bless you. Get them. It’s a hard find, but I have two pairs of old Levi’s that I never get out of and always stay in my wardrobe,” she explains.
Once you’ve struck gold, a little maintenance goes a long way.
“I love him Rowenta AeroSteam Twist Steamer because it is nice to give a little update to things that were before. It makes it feel more like you own it and gives it a bit of a refresh. … Some antiques are very delicate, so you don’t want to dry clean them. I have so many vintage pieces that have beading and detailing and you can be much more detailed with a steamer. This one has results similar to an iron, but without ironing.”
And while everyone loves a throwback, keeping one foot in the present is key to a look that feels timeless rather than stuck in the past.
“I never want to look like I’m dressed up. … If you’re wearing shorts from the 1930s, put it on with a sweatshirt, or do it with a white t-shirt with a really nice structure, instead of doing it with a white lace cami. I don’t want to take everything from one era and I like to mix it with something that feels modern.
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